Flowers to lift the gloom

Amaryllis “Picotee”

As for many of you, the exuberant flowers of amaryllis really lift my spirits during these dreary, gloomy days. I’ve amassed quite a collection over the years, and since they keep producing baby bulbs the number keeps increasing. Just as the first blooms of “Luna” were fading, “Picotee” began to open. ”Picotee” is a new one for me. The flowers are slightly smaller than many others I grow but she’s a pretty one to view up close. At a distance those pencil-thin red edges don’t really show. 

Orchid “Carolee”!!

At Christmas, our friends who own New Vision Orchids brought this new hybrid they developed as a hostess gift. I’ve known Russ for over thirty years, and was Anita’s matron of honor when they married so we have a long history. They met through an orchid growers organization and have been happily growing and hybridizing orchids, judging orchid shows, winning grand prizes, and traveling as far away as New Zealand to visit orchid events and growers. So, I was honored when they announced that this new orchid will be named for me! However, my history with orchids can be summed up in one word…Disastrous. Every orchid Russ has bestowed on me has been doomed from the start. He has given me lessons, culture sheets, encouragement, and still they suffer a lingering death. When “Carolee” arrived, she had three bloom stalks. One was fully opened flowers, one had 6 buds of varying sizes, and one had tiny baby buds. Within days, 5 of the 6 buds on one stalk dropped to the table. I can see that she is not happy, despite my talking kindly, misting the area occasionally, adding a tray filled with marbles and water under her pot. She’s in a good light situation for orchids. I just don’t have that magic skill that orchids must require. So, I’ll enjoy her flowers til the last one drops and then take it on a mercy trip back to Russ for R&R. I’m sticking with amaryllis as my winter cure!